The biggest gift you can give to your loved ones for the holidays is yourself and your presence. Continuing to stay flu and Covid-conscious, is important, especially since it may help keep you at home and out of the hospital.
The CDC says that flu activity during the 2020-2021 season was very low due to pandemic-related face coverings and social distancing measures. With this year’s holiday season looking more normal than last year, the organization anticipates this year’s flu season to pan out much differently.
“If you have yet to receive your annual flu shot, doing so could save you a lot of discomfort,” explains Harper Neal, Clinic Manager, Family Nurse Practitioner Student – Intern at Brady Medical Clinic, a service of Heart of Texas Healthcare System. “Flu vaccines are constantly changing and are reviewed annually and updated as appropriate to better match flu viruses that are expected to spread in the U.S. during that season.”
Texas continues to be among the states at a high-risk level for contracting Covid-19 according to Texas Department of State Health Services. Higher risks of infection are occurring in the rural counties.
“There has been a rise in Covid cases in McCulloch County, directly following the Thanksgiving holiday,” said LNAME. “Large gatherings of people generally serve as a hotbed for the both the flu and the Covid-19 virus.”
We now know the Omicron variant is starting to spread across the U.S., which is considered to be even more contagious than the Delta variant. The first Omicron case was reported in Texas last week.
Medical professionals at Brady Medical Clinic continue to urge members of our community to take the suggested precautions to guard against the virus. “Getting vaccinated, and getting the booster shot, for those eligible are is highly recommended for most individuals. Wearing a mask in public, frequent handwashing and limiting gatherings to small family groups is still advised,” Neal said.
As of Dec 10, 2021, the total number of positive Covid cases that have been reported in McCulloch County since March 2020 is 1,320. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services there have been 39 deaths related to Covid in McCulloch County. “With cases on the rise again in our area it is important to protect yourself and your community from the virus,” Neal noted.
According to health officials, it is possible to become sick with both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Both viruses are contagious respiratory illnesses, but different types of viruses cause them.
“Being vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 does not prevent you from being infected. However, symptoms in such cases are typically less severe than those who have not been vaccinated,” Neal said.
According to the CDC, the Covid vaccines are recommended for individuals 5 and up. Booster shots are available to anyone 18 and older who have completed the primary Covid vaccine series at least 6 months prior. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated for the flu.
For more information, or to schedule a flu or Covid-19 vaccine or booster shot, please call Brady Medical Clinic at 325-597-2114.
About Heart of Texas Healthcare System
Heart of Texas Healthcare System provides healthcare for residents of McCulloch County and the surrounding area. Founded in 2011, the system offers many medical services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced radiology services, a clinical laboratory, dialysis services, physical therapy, surgical services, patient education, sleep studies, and more. The system also owns and operates Brady Medical Clinic, which provides family medicine, preventive care, and acute care for minor emergencies. For additional information, please visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org.